Active Listening Good communication requires us to listen and be seen to be listening Listening will

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Increase focus on communication Increase accuracy Convey interest, concern and attention Encourage open expression Place the locus of interest on the other (highly rewarding and reinforcing) 1

Guidelines for Active Listening Give people your attention

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make them feel you are there for them maintain focus, which means listening to the other person without judging or commenting on what they are saying Establish rapport

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encourage the person with actions, language, tone, posture, gestures, that put them at ease Be ready to paraphrase

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‘play back’ what you have heard to show listening and understanding 2

Guidelines for Active Listening Listen with your whole self… 3

Guidelines for Active Listening Ask questions Acknowledge the other person’s feelings Try not to interrupt Keep the focus on them Encourage Do not react or respond until the person has finished 4